Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher born in 1813, often considered the father of existentialism. He focused on individual experience and the importance of personal choice, emphasizing that each person must find their own meaning in life. His works explore themes like faith, anxiety, and the nature of existence. Kierkegaard wrote extensively, using pseudonyms to present different viewpoints. His notable works include Fear and Trembling and Either/Or. He critiqued the established norms of society and religion, advocating for a more personal and subjective approach to understanding life and faith. His ideas have influenced many later thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre.